T
Many will argue this, but don't be afraid to start with a cheap lens. After all there's a fun
learning curve that shouldn't be put off waiting for that magic lens ( or enlarger ). The money saved can be put towards papers and chemistry,both of which you will use a lot of.
I literally started doing prints in an "honest to god" closet. After your first successful prints you won't care where you do it. Have as much fun as I do. Peter
The price of a cheap lens isn't that much less than a top notch lens. You can buy a 50mm f2.8 EL Nikkor for under $50. I've seen them in the mid $30 range. Same is true for a Schneider Componon. You can buy a Componon (not S) for $35.
Do not buy a cheap flemsy enlarger. You'll regret it and wind up buying a good one eventually.
The Omega B-22 is very inexpensive and built like a tank. Tons of negative carriers and lens boards are available for little or nothing. A very nice color head was made which can be bout cheap. A color head is excellent for B&W. You can use the filtrs to dial in contrast grades for variable contrast paper.
The B8 Omega is excellent as well but I'm not sure if there's a color head for it.
I'd stay from the newer omegas like the B600, 700, 760 and 66. They're built a bit flemsy compared to the older ones.
Also a Beseler 23C (model I,II, III) are all superb. I'd put them in the same class as the B22 in construction although they are much larger and heavier. They're inexpensive ind tons of accessories cheap. Also there was a nice color head. The Belers may be too big for you though.
I've used Omegas primarily for fifty plus years and they can't be beat. I use a D5XL with an Ilford variable contrast head and a Durst Laborator 138 which is for 5x7 and stands 7 feet tall on a floor stand. The Durst are among the very best but parts are hard to come by and they are very expensive. The major problem with most Durst machines is bulbs. The bulbs for my 138 haven't been made for 25 years and if you find one it will cost you $300 or more. I just went through the process of converting mine to an LED light source. It took a lot of experimentation but I finally came up with a suitable light. If you find a pro level Durst that's complete and in good shape that you have or can get spare bulbs it will make a fantastic machine for you. Just make certain all parts are there and you can get bulbs. I know they can be bought cheap. I've seen Durst 4x5 enlargers like the 1000 and 1200 go for $250. These were thousands new.
Buy either Nikkor EL, Schneider Componon (S), Rodenstock Rodagon or Fujinon EX lenses. They can be found very cheap and they are the best until you get into the APO lenses which most of us don't need.
